BENCHMARK FINANCIAL - Key Persons
Alex is currently an Associate Wealth Advisor with Benchmark and is pursuing an MBA with a specialty in Finance.
Alex assists our Advisory Team with all aspects of the financial planning and investment process. Alex also lends his support to Benchmark's Qualified Plan Team.
Alex graduated from Florida State University, with a degree in Finance.
In his free time, Alex enjoys golf, softball, basketball and is a volunteer coach for youth basketball.
Alex is a Wealth Advisor for Benchmark Financial
Prior to joining Benchmark Financial, Alex worked for PNC Private Bank where he held a variety of different roles within their Asset Management Group. Alex was part of the team that worked on creating risk reduction strategies for clients' portfolios.
Job Titles:
- Client Service Coordinator
Alison is a Client Service Coordinator at Benchmark.
Alison has been with the firm since 2015 and is responsible for onboarding new clients, as well as, servicing existing clients. Alison has over 15 years of experience in the Insurance and Investment industry and brings a great deal of knowledge and her welcoming personality to client experience.
Alison is also responsible for our paperless office process and making sure Benchmark's clients are not overwhelmed with paper!
Alison enjoys spending time with her family and loves going to the beach.
Andrea is the Director of Operations for Benchmark.
Andrea has been with the firm since 2003 and has hands on operations experience in Financial Planning, Insurance and Investments. Her vast experience in all areas of the firms practice enables her to efficiently oversee the firms' administrative staff and provide support and guidance.
Andrea also serves as a liaison between clients and advisors to ensure client's needs are being met. Andrea's sharp eye for detail and attentiveness make her an invaluable resource for clients.
Andrea spends most of her free time chasing her 2 sons around town. She enjoys family time and loves going on new adventures.
Gonzo is a Portfolio Analyst for Benchmark Financial.
Gonzo has 20 years of experience in the financial industry, servicing U.S. and International retail and institutional clients.
As a Portfolio Analyst, Gonzo helps with all aspects of investment management for Benchmark Financial. He assists with research, portfolio construction, client service, and the preparation of financial plans.
Gonzo graduated from the State University of New York at Albany with a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Finance/Marketing and an MBA degree in Business Administration.
Gonzo speaks fluent English and Spanish.
In his spare time, Gonzo enjoys spending time training his dog Bowie, drawing, painting, and fitness-related activities.
Job Titles:
- Client Services Coordinator
Lauren is a Client Services Coordinator at Benchmark.
Lauren is responsible for client management, which entails helping new individuals, families, and corporations join our firm, their day-to-day service needs as well as answering any questions they may have.
Lauren has over 10 years of experience in customer service and thrives on providing concierge-level service with a personal touch.
Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband and going on new adventures.
She is also passionate about learning and enhancing her knowledge of finances and productivity.
Philip is a Partner at Benchmark Financial.
Philip focuses on families and business owners and provides clients with wealth guidance solutions through comprehensive financial planning to help protect, simplify and organize their total financial picture. He believes that an advisor's true worth is helping align a client's financial goals with their personal values so they can make smart money decisions and ultimately experience peace of mind.
Philip has achieved the professional designations of CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™) and RICP® (Retirement Income Certified Professional). CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP® are certification marks owned by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP Board). Individuals certified by the CFP Board have taken extra steps to demonstrate their professionalism by voluntarily submitting to the rigorous CFP® certification process that includes education, examination, experience and ethical requirements. The RICP® educational curricula is the most complete and comprehensive program available to professional financial advisors looking to help clients create sustainable retirement income. Philip also holds the Series 66 registration and a FL Life, Health & Variable Annuity license.
Philip graduated summa cum laude from Palm Beach Atlantic University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Accounting.
Philip is very active in his surrounding communities and holds the positions of:
Board member at the Peter Blum YMCA of S. Palm Beach County
Board member of Westminster Academy, Ft. Lauderdale
Board member of the PULSE, young professionals group of the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Financial Planning Association of South Florida
Roger Kalina - Founder, Managing Director
Roger is the founder and Managing Director of Benchmark Financial.
Roger has served as a financial professional since 1993 and has achieved the professional designations of CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™), AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary), ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant) and CLU® (Chartered Life Underwriter).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
Sandy brings a wealth of information on how to manage and improve the client experience, as well as adding more than 20 years of experience in public accounting to the advisory committee.
Sandy is a Tax Partner at CohnReznick LLP, one of the 20 largest accounting firm in the U.S. Sandy specializes in tax minimization strategies and retirement planning for high net worth individuals and business owners. His area of corporate expertise consists of tax planning and compliance, resolving complex tax issues relating to domestic transactions and investment activities, as well as state and local tax compliance. Sandy also assists clients with income tax planning and multi-year and transactional tax matters, as well as conflict resolution with state and federal taxing authorities. He has represented various clients during Internal Revenue Service Audits.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Advisory Committee
Tim is an investor in, and a client of, Benchmark Financial, and brings his unique combination of tax and entrepreneurial experience to the advisory committee. Tim is the Managing Partner of the Boca Raton, Jupiter and Ft. Lauderdale offices at CohnReznick LLP, one of the 20 largest accounting firm in the U.S.
Tim has provided taxation and accounting services in the public sector for over 30 years. He has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, investment advisory services, and financial statement preparation. Tim began his career with Ernst & Young, rising to the position of Senior Audit Manager during his eight-year tenure. Among his many other accomplishments, he has appeared as a guest speaker at various tax conferences and on local television programs.